If you are a traveler worried about air quality, it’s essential to be aware of the locations where you may confront the highest pollution levels. While certain cities in the Americas exhibit poor air quality, they are minor compared to the extreme pollution levels present in various parts of Asia, mainly India. During the pandemic, when lockdowns minimized traffic, air quality improved sufficiently in some regions to gaze at the Himalayas from cities such as Kathmandu. However, this improvement was fleeting, and many urban areas have reverted to their polluted states.
India stands as a major hotspot for air pollution, accounting for 83 of the 100 most polluted cities worldwide, as reported by IQAir. Another study indicated that 28 out of the top 30 most polluted cities are located in India, with only Dhaka and Peshawar appearing from outside the nation. Neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh also have cities suffering from alarmingly high pollution levels, rendering South Asia a difficult region for those with breathing complications. China and Southeast Asia can also face severe pollution conditions, varying by season.
A study has shown that 99 of the 100 most polluted cities are situated in Asia, with Benoni, South Africa, being the sole exception. Contributing factors include agricultural burning, lenient industrial regulations, heavy reliance on coal, and ineffective vehicles. Delhi, India, ranks as the most polluted city, followed by Lahore, Dhaka, Karachi, and Kolkata. More than 80 million individuals inhabit these five cities, underscoring the large population impacted by subpar air quality.
Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam, are additional cities with notable pollution, especially at certain times of the year. Initiatives such as free public transport and remote work policies have been introduced to address pollution spikes. Although China does not consistently lead in pollution rankings, its air quality can deteriorate seasonally, with cities like Harbin and Chenzhou facing significant pollution.
On a global scale, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bahrain are the most polluted countries, with India taking the fourth position. In spite of its pollution issues, China is making substantial investments in clean energy and infrastructure, including solar and wind farms and high-speed rail. In contrast, India and Pakistan are grappling with deteriorating pollution levels.
In the United States, pollution is prevalent in areas with coal-fired power stations and regions impacted by wildfires, such as California and Oregon. The American Lung Association states that extreme weather phenomena heighten pollution levels. Nonetheless, there are locations with cleaner air, such as Beloit, WI, and Honolulu, HI.
For travelers looking for destinations with superior air quality, countries like Australia, Estonia, and New Zealand present some of the cleanest environments.